While the 9th edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos was largely dominated by headline-grabbing wins from African stars like Rema, Burna Boy, Juma Jux, Yemi Alade, and Phyno, the ceremony also delivered some of its most compelling moments through a different narrative, unexpected winners. In many categories, lesser-known artists surprised everyone by beating bigger, more famous stars.
These wins show that AFRIMA celebrates all African music, not just the biggest hits or most famous artists.
Yo Maps (Zambia) — Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa
The Southern Africa category delivered another shock as Yo Maps of Zambia emerged victorious, outperforming South African acts that have dominated the region in recent years. Many observers expected artists like Nasty C, Kabza De Small, or Tyler ICU to take the award.
Nontokozo Mkhize (South Africa) — Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa
In a category stacked with globally visible names such as Tyla, Elaine, and Uncle Waffles, Nontokozo Mkhize’s victory was one of the most unexpected of the night. Her win highlighted AFRIMA’s recognition of emerging and genre-diverse voices in Southern Africa.
Mkhize outshone heavyweights including Tyla, Makhadzi, Uncle Waffles, and Sha Sha. Her transition from a backup vocalist to solo star, with a 2025 debut album, Lindiwe, made her AFRIMA win a landmark achievement. Nontokozo Mkhize’s victory stood out as a surprise in her category, as many expected more commercially dominant or mainstream acts to take the award, such as Tyla or Uncle Waffles. Instead, her strong gospel sound, powerful voice, and steady influence in South Africa connected deeply with both fans and judges. Her win showed that gospel music still has a lasting impact and proved that sincerity, meaningful messages, and cultural connection can matter more than mainstream popularity on a major African stage.
Wendy Shay (Ghana) — Best Female Artiste in Western Africa
Wendy Shay claimed the award over regional and global heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Moily, and Amaarae, producing a major upset in the Western Africa female category. While a household name in Ghana, her continental recognition has often been overshadowed by Nigerian stars.
Known for hits like Bedroom Commando, Shay On You, Crazy Love, and Holy Father, and notable collaborations with Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Kuami Eugene, Wendy Shay’s win came as a surprise to many. Most expectations had been leaning toward trend-driven powerhouses like Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr, who both had phenomenal years with chart-topping releases. Yet, Wendy Shay’s consistent output in the year didn’t go unnoticed and earned her the win.
Milo (Côte d’Ivoire) — Best Male Artiste in African Inspirational Music
In the inspirational music category, Milo (Emile Sahouet) from Côte d’Ivoire surprised many by beating internationally recognized gospel and inspirational artists from Nigeria and Southern Africa. His win highlighted the often underrepresented Francophone presence in African inspirational music.
Known for hits like “C’est Dieu qui donne” and “Jehovah Reigns”, and collaborations with Morijah, Onel Mala, and KS Bloom, Milo’s AFRIMA triumph over big names like Gaise Baba, Lawrence Oyor, Sjava, and Jah Prayzah confirmed his position as a leading figure in urban gospel with a spiritual and soulful sound.
Morijah (Côte d’Ivoire) — Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music
Morijah secured Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music, continuing Côte d’Ivoire’s impressive showing in the African Inspirational music category as they swept off both the male and female category. Her rise, driven by hits like “Mon Ami” and “Grace Abounds”.
She outshone big names including Nigeria’s Mercy Chinwo and Ada Ehi, and South Africa’s Ntokozo Mkhize. With collaborations across Francophone gospel artists, her spiritually resonant music earned her a crown that solidified her position as a leading female voice in the new wave of African gospel.
Axel Merryl (Benin) — Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary
Axel Merryl shocked many by winning the African Contemporary category over bigger artists. He won the award for Best Artiste, Duo or Group in African Contemporary. He also earned a nomination for Best Male Artiste in Western Africa but lost out to Rema. His win in the category he won marks a historic moment for Beninese music on the continental stage, solidifying his transition from a viral content creator to one of Africa’s premier musical talents.
Known for hits like Kimi and Gba Gba, Axel Merryl stunned audiences by outperforming heavyweights such as Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, and Bien. Riding the wave of his viral afro-pop track Titulaire, he expanded his reach well beyond Benin, combining digital influence with musical talent. Merryl’s innovative style, strong online presence, and rapidly growing fanbase proved that emerging artists with viral momentum can rise above even Africa’s most established stars on the continental stage.
DJ Moh Green (Algeria) — Best African DJ
DJ Moh Green (Emile Sahouet) emerged as Best African DJ, surprising many in a category dominated by Southern and Western African DJs. His Algerian roots and signature Afro-beat/dancehall style highlighted North Africa’s rising influence in DJ culture. Moh Green outperformed popular DJs such as DJ Maphorisa, Uncle Waffles, and DJ Tunez.
With hits like Algiers Groove and VALID featuring To-Star, plus collaborations with French Montana, Sean Paul, Fally Ipupa, and Sarkodie, Moh Green’s win caught many off guard. He stunned fans by surpassing top-tier DJs like South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Nigeria’s DJ Tunez, both of whom dominate clubs and playlists with their hits. Moh Green’s ability to engage audiences across Africa and beyond showcased how creativity, consistency, and a unique sound behind the decks can outshine even the continent’s most established names.
Weeha — “Dimama” (Ethiopia) — Best African Dance/Choreography
Ethiopian sensation Weeha won Best African Dance/Choreography with her viral hit “Dimama”. Known for blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with Afro-pop energy, she impressed fans and judges alike with her technical skill and originality.
Her victory over global stars like Wizkid, Tyla, and Uncle Waffles cemented her as a rising force in African performance arts. Weeha’s victory came as a stunning upset, surpassing stars like Wizkid, whose Kese video was a huge dance hit, and Grammy winner Tyla with her Push 2 Start video. Her inventive visuals, compelling storytelling, and intricate choreography captured the judges’ acclaim, showing that originality and fresh artistic vision can prevail. The win also highlighted Ethiopia’s rising impact on Africa’s dance and music scene.
Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire) — Best African Duo, Group or Band
Team Paiya claimed Best African Duo, Group or Band, demonstrating the strength of collective artistry in Côte d’Ivoire. Their hit singles “Tui Tui”, “Fimbu”, captivated Francophone Africa and beyond.
Beating globally visible ensembles like Blaq Diamond and The Cavemen, Team Paiya’s infectious street energy and tight harmonies made them a continental powerhouse. Few expected Team Paiya to take the win, especially against established duos like Blaq Diamond and Cavemen, who are packed with hits and massive followings. Yet, their fresh sound, creative synergy, and bold artistic vision earned them the edge, proving that innovation and authenticity can outshine even the continent’s most popular acts.
